Alaska Air Group, the parent of Alaska Airlines, said on Monday that it had agreed to acquire Virgin America for $2.6 billion in cash.
The deal would unite two domestic carriers that are among the 10 largest in the United States, but that operate in a tier below the industry giants, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. It would also expand Alaska Airlines’ presence in the lucrative California market, particularly in San Francisco and in Los Angeles, one of Alaska Airlines’ hubs.
